MY PLATFORM - The BE A FOSTER Movement

We Were Called

“Do you want to be pregnant, or do you want to be parents?” It was this question that God placed on our hearts while in prayer that changed the course of our lives forever. As a couple who has been impacted by infertility, this question reminded my husband, Andrew, and I that it’s not blood that makes a family, it’s LOVE that makes a family, and we are called to love because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). Our “inability” to conceive gave us the “ability” to recognize that God had a different plan for our lives and for our family; a plan that led us down the path of adoption and foster care.

Through our journey with infertility, adoption, and foster care, we were called to launch the BE A FOSTER Movement for the 2.7 million children in foster care globally who are in need of a loving foster family; many of whom are also in need of a forever home.

The BE A FOSTER Movement

With more than 437,000 U.S. children in foster care (2.7 million globally), and an average of only 200,000 licensed foster homes, 30-60% of which drop out each year, there’s no denying that the need for loving foster families is great. Through the BE A FOSTER Movement, which was co-founded and launched by Andrew and myself in 2019, we strive to create conversation and understanding around the undeniable impacts of foster care and the increasing need for loving foster families.

Through the BE A FOSTER Movement, which includes our signature BAF Podcast, BAF Convos, BAF Vlog, and our BAF Media Campaign, we’re collaborating with members of the foster community around the globe, including individuals, families, institutions, organizations, political leaders, and media outlets to share different initiatives, resources, and real-life stories about foster care from a variety of perspectives. By doing so, our ultimate hopes are to 1) eliminate misconceptions and create realistic expectations about the foster care experience, while we continue to collaborate with many foster-related groups, organizations, and programs, 2) advocate and be a voice for the foster youth in the system, while we continue to provide mentorship and support outlets for current and prospective foster families, and 3) inform others of the variety of ways to support the foster community as a whole, while we continue to encourage families to make an impact in the life of a child and BE A FOSTER.

The hard truth is, the many short-term and long-term effects of COVID-19 have increased the vulnerability already felt by the world’s at-risk families and children. Due to an increase in child abuse and neglect during recent times of quarantine and social distancing, NOW MORE THAN EVER, we are called to LOVE and serve the needs of the children who are finding their way into the system. And, if not as a foster family, there are endless ways to support the foster community.

As Mrs. International 2020

With the global effects of COVID, combined with our President’s recent Executive Order for Strengthening the Child Welfare System, NOW MORE THAN EVER, we know this is the time to share FOSTER CARE.

As Mrs. International 2020, I will continue to collaborate with members of the foster community around the globe to share different initiatives, resources, and real-life stories about foster care from a variety of perspectives.

Locally and Nationally - I will continue to promote a variety of foster-related groups, organizations, and programs, including the FosterMore ‘Foster Care Friendly Workplace’ pledge to help generate more supportive workplace environments for those wishing to open their homes and their hearts to a child in need of both.

Globally - I will continue to be a Foster Advocate and Mentor by co-leading and executing the mission of the BE A FOSTER Movement, while encouraging families to make an impact in the life of a child and BE A FOSTER.

Although I may be the one with the title and the crown, our journey with infertility, adoption, and foster care is as much Andrew’s story to share as it is mine. This journey, our efforts, and our passion wouldn’t be what it is without each other. We truly are a team, and we stand side-by-side in support of one another.


Ashley Rae Klinger
Mrs. International 2020

The Need is Great - Make an Impact - BE A FOSTER

"Encouraging families to make an impact in the life of a child and be a foster."